Caroline Miege
Registered with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW), and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (C.C.C.)
About ME
BSW,RSW,M.Ed (Counselling),CCC
I have specialized training/certification in Solutions Focused Therapy, Mindfulness based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Trauma/PTSD treatment, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Certification (C-DBT), ADHD Clinical Services Provier (ADHD-CCSP), and EMDR.
I will bring my over 30 years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from community to obtain the results you want from counselling.
My practice strives to be anti-oppressive and to provide culturally responsive care. I have supported clients who are Indigenous throughout Canada. I completed the SAN’YAS: Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. As a social justice advocate I am an ally for the LGBQ2S+ community.
I work with youth and adults, focusing on treatment of Trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, stress management, anger management, women's issues, self esteem, relationship issues,and career/workplace issues. I have specialized experience and training working with people who are neuro-divergent (some examples include: mental health challenges, ADHD, people on the autism spectrum), helping to navigate school, community and workplace. I am able to support people through major life transitions such as chronic illness and losses of all kinds.
The work I have done for a Women’s Sexual Assault Centre as well as a Safe House (Stopping the Violence Program) has led to a strong interest in women’s mental health, including perinatal and postpartum, as well as parenting concerns (home visits an option).
I am influenced by a number of therapeutic modalities, but my approach is based on being person-centered, meaning that I strive to understand the client’s point of view, and create a relationship that is caring, genuine and non-judgmental.
Other modalities that I frequently draw from are somatic therapy, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, DBT and CBT informed approach, and a neuroscience/poly-vagal theory approach.
EMDR is a simple but efficient therapy using bilateral stimulation (BLS) ─ tapping, auditory tones or eye movements ─ to accelerate the brain's capacity to process and heal a troubling memory. BLS, which occurs naturally during dream sleep, causes the two brain parts to work together to reintegrate the memory. Some clients experience relief or positive effects in just a few sessions. EMDR is effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms, whether the traumatic event occurred many years ago or yesterday. It gives desired results –with little talking, without using drugs, and requires no “homework” between sessions. Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for the treatment of post traumatic stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief and addictions.
I was born and raised on a farm in the Shuswap which has created a lifelong respect for the environment. A large part of supporting my mental health is by practicing nature based mindfulness. I believe that nature is essential to our health and well-being. I am European on my paternal side and Māori (Ngāti Awa) through my maternal lineage.
I have a bachelor of Social Work and a Master’s in Education (counselling). I am a registered social worker in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. I do regular clinical supervision and professional development.
The relationship with a client is important so to explore if I would be a good match for you I offer a free 15 minute consultation
Racial Justice Allied
My office for walk and talk therapy.
Services
I offer individual counselling for adults and youth online or in-person. Prior to committing to a session you are welcome to schedule a 15 minute consultation at no cost.
All technology platforms used for my remote sessions will adhere to the privacy laws and standards as set out by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and are (a) PIPA/PIPEDA compliant; (b) offer end to end encryption; and (c) use Canadian servers. I have a license to use Zoom Pro.
Online Counselling is well validated by research. Benefits include:
· Able to be in the space of your own choice.
· Have health concerns that make it hard to meet in person.
· Live in a rural area or far from services.
· Have privacy concerns.
· Is a parent or caregiver struggling to find childcare.
· Have other barriers such as mobility, transportation or limited time.
· Video sessions are available on almost every device, including: your phone (apple or android), tablet/iPad, laptop, or desktop. Phone counselling is also an option for those who prefer not to use video.
In-Person Counselling: Available in Salmon Arm only at a downtown location.
Walk and Talk Therapy: I use the same therapeutic modalities that I would in an office setting, but also take advantage of nature and movement. This is not an exercise session. We will walk at a slower space for either 2 or 4 km, with opportunity to stop and rest. Walk and Talk therapy can assist people to get “unstuck” when working through difficult times. It can be less anxiety provoking than sitting in a traditional office setting. This type of therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful with younger clients who find it difficult to sit still and talk. People tend to be more at ease in nature and the rhythmic nature of walking is comforting. Walking and movement help to decrease the sympathetic nervous system response, essentially decreasing stress on a physical level. There is a minimum of one video or phone session prior to walk and talk therapy in order to complete consent and assessment.
Stress Management
Stress is a natural part of our life. What we need to take care of however, is excess build-up of stress over time that can affect our normal daily functioning.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health struggles that people experience which can have major impact on a person’s day to day life. It is recommended to seek help before the depression reaches a clinical level as it is harder to bounce back when you lack energy to stay active and maintain social contacts. It is helpful to seek help when you notice the signs of depression are starting to affect your functioning.
Anxiety
Anxiety describes a group of disorders that cause worry, nervousness, and fear. These feelings of anxiety interfere with everyday life and are out of proportion to the triggering object or event.
Anger Management
Anger has a purpose and is a normal emotion, but can get out of control which can negatively affect your health and relationships.Anger management focuses on developing a healthier relationship with all emotions, including the expression of anger.
Grief and Loss
Everyone grieves differently. But if you understand your emotions, take care of yourself, and seek support, you can heal.
Life Transitions
Transitions, such as retirement, job loss or having a child can bring unexpected challenges leaving people feeling lost, confused or overwhelmed. A counsellor can assist in navigating these changes and learning to cope in new ways.
Parenting Support
The goal of parenting support is to strengthen parenting practices, supporting the healthy development of children. The focus is on strengths and increasing the stability of the family members which results in greater parental confidence and competence in parenting abilities.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/Trauma
Trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are terms used for understanding the complex mind/body response to unpredictable/traumatic experiences that may create difficulties with:
Regulation (fight/flight/freeze)
Intense feelings of shame and overwhelm
Disconnection
Anger
Nightmares
Intrusive thoughts
Physical ailments
Recovery focuses on creating a sense of safety and respecting emotional and physical boundaries.
Workplace stress/conflict
Workplace stress can lead to decreased productivity at work, and may result in an employee leaving their position. This type of stress or conflict is an opportunity to learn new skills such as stress management and conflict resolution that can assist with workplace stress, as well as helping in everyday life.
“The paradox of trauma is that is has both the power to transform and resurrect.”
Contact
Caroline Miege (she/her)
Phone or Text: 250 253 0243
I works Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Voicemails, texts and emails are returned on those days.
Fees:$120.00 to $140.00 - please contact for more information. Approved provider for Homewood, Arete, Green Shield/Ink Blot(EAP). Service provider for Crime Victim Assistance Program, Metis Nation Mental Health Counselling Services,First Nations Health Authority,Ag Safe and WorkBC (able to direct bill). I am able to provide services as a Registered Social Worker in Alberta, Ontario and B.C. Cost of counselling may be covered by an employee benefit package. Some insurance plans do cover counselling services that are provided by professionals that hold the RSW or C.C.C. Counselling designation. However, coverage is not consist within or across insurance companies. Coverage is not automatic and it is the client’s responsibility to contact their insurance company to determine if counselling services are included in their plan and to verify the service providers approved under their plan.